The territorial seat of the Roman
Pontiff, established by concordat (the Lateran Treaty) with Italy in 1927 (revised in
1985). It is the smallest sovereign state in the world (108.7 acres).

In addition to Vatican
City the State includes certain extra-territorial properties in
Italy belonging to the Holy See: Patriarchal Basilicas, Curial and
diocesan offices, Castel Gandolpho (the pope's summer residence),
Pontifical Universities. The Pope is
the Head of State, though he governs through the Pontifical Commission for the State of
Vatican City. The Governor manages the day to day affairs of the State.